Fire & Ice: Speed Y4 1-1

[anthony22]

im waiting Rubio to make 30+ and beat Scott Skiles' record

[megarover]

Wow 25 assists in a game.......and the thing is that is Normal!

[Oznogrd]

having Love/Swift/Boozer/Mihm is actually quite the daunting frontcourt offensively. 3 finesse, and 1 power for when that doesnt work...All rubio has to do is protect the ball...Cavs game is played...write up comin soon

[Oznogrd]

Speed get the win playing strong 3 quarters
St. Louis 98 - Cleveland 90

For once, the Speed only showing up 3 quarters didn't end in a loss. Why is that you ask? The visiting Cavaliers dominated the 2nd quarter, outscoring the Speed by 9. But the rest of the game, the frontcourt of the Speed was just too much for the Cavs as Carlos Boozer, Kevin Love, and Chris Mihm took over and led their team to victory. Lebron did what he could with a solid effort, but the rest of his team just didn't do enough to result in a win.

"We knew we couldnt stop Lebron" said Speed point guard Ricky Rubio. He spent much of the game exhaustively running down James ensuring a body was always on him. "Us and Coach Duke discussed it earlier in the week. We could leave everyone else on the floor wide open, as long as Lebron didnt get a clean look. He's a great player, and he got his stats, but at least we made him earn it." The Speed had just finished a hard fought game against the Bulls the night before and fans could tell they were dragging slightly.

"It was rough man. Going one night playing against Derrick, then the very next having to handle Lebron. Luckily we got the Cavs on the ropes and we got to play our game instead of theirs" said Boozer. When asked about his offensive dominance tonight Boozer refused to speak "We won as a team. I dont even know how many points i scored." Odds are this is because he lost count somewhere around the 30 mark. Boozer finished with 51.

With this win the Speed are now tied for 9th in the conference and hope to tack on a few more wins sneaking into the playoffs. Their upcoming schedule includes the Bucks, Warriors, Lakers, Wizards, and Bobcats. Coach Duke says they're not thinking that far ahead yet. "We've got Milwaukee coming up. After them, we'll worry about the next game. Then the next game after that. If we get into playoffs, that'd be great, but we can't sit her thinking it the whole time."



Player of the Game
Carlos Boozer
51 pts 11 reb 4 ast 2 stl 1 blk
Boozer was anything and everything the Speed needed tonight to hold on against the Cavs that were trying to surge into a lead.

Notable Speed Performances
Kevin Love 16 pts 3 reb 2 stl 2 blk
Chris Mihm 10 pts 1 reb 1 blk
Ricky Rubio 7 pts 25 ast 2 stl

Notable Cavaliers Performances
Lebron James 23 pts 4 reb 5 ast 1 stl 1 blk
Brendan Haywood 16 pts 4 reb 2 ast
Leon Powe 14 pts 5 reb 2 ast
Rajon Rondo 12 pts 2 reb 9 ast 1 tl

Screenshots or It Didn't Happen Images of the Game

Kevin Love nonchalantly puts up a circus shot and doesnt even look to see if it goes in. Lebron was pissed.

Up Next: Can the Speed keep up their winning ways against a Bucks with the exact same record? A battle for 11-13 supremacy!

[megarover]

51 for Boozer against the Cavs. That was a much needed victory. Lebron didnt exactly his usual king like performance

[Oznogrd]

Boozer's Strong 4th Hold off Bucks for win
St. Louis 92 - Milwaukee 87

The fans in St. Louis were standing for the entirety of the fourth quarter and amazingly, didnt leave in disgust as the Speed blew a 14 point lead. A strong first quarter on the back of Kevin Love setting some excellent picks, the Speed looked confident early on. Over the course of the next 2 quarters they were outscored by the Bucks behind strong outside shooting of Michael Redd. Unfortunately, Redd cooled off in the fourth and Speed capitalized their Big Men to hold on for the win. Despite being outrebounded 25-18 and allowing 17 fast break points, St. Louis held off the surge from the Bucks...by shooting an astonishing 68%.

"Everything was falling for us" said Carlos Boozer "It didnt matter if it was me, Kevin or Chris. They all just kept falling. When they didn't fall, Ricky or Rashad would draw a foul and sink their FTs. Its hard to come back when a team is doing that." When the score got close, Boozer simply smiled and went on to score 10 points in the last 3 minutes of the game. "What can I say, they kept guarding Ricky and Not me. Big mistake." he said jokingly.

Coach Raoul Duke was happy with the win but not ecstatic. "We're not gonna shoot 68% every night. We need better defense and we need to hold on to leads better. We have a strong bench, but for some reason, they just dont seem to be able to hold on for us. Then guys like Carlos and Ricky are exhausted by the end of the game. When we're up by 14, we need to keep playing hard and keep playing our usual game without letting them come back." Duke then proceeded to wrap himself in the american flag and walk out.

Player of the Game
Carlos Boozer
40 pts 4 reb 2 ast 3 blk
Defense and Offense...especially in the clutch. 10 points in the last 3 minutes of the 4th.

Notable Speed Performances
Kevin Love 21 pts 3 reb 2 blk
Chris Mihm 10 pts 1 reb 1 ast 2 blk
Ricky Rubio 6 pts 3 reb 23 ast
Tyronn Lue 7 ast

Notable Bucks Performances
Michael Redd 28 pts 2 reb 1 ast
Brandon Jennings 14 pts 1 reb 8 ast 1 stl
Andrew Bogut 12 pts 5 reb 2 ast 2 blk
Hakeem Warrick 11 pts 4 reb 2 ast 2 stl 1 blk
Anderson Varejao 6 pts 8 reb 2 ast 4 stl 2 blk

Screenshots or It Didn't Happen Images of the Game


Kevin Love is just Hungrier that Varejao. Plus he doesnt have the worst fro of all time

Up Next: Golden State Warriors: can the Speed keep up their winning ways with only 4 games left for a late season playoff berth?

[megarover]

I never understand why Boozer low rebound numbers but Monster scoring numbers.

[Oznogrd]

I never understand why Boozer low rebound numbers but Monster scoring numbers.

Score Rating A
Post Defense B

He's my go to guy, so the other guys arent bricking alot for him to grab. And usually if he gets beat on D, its going in. Thats why the low boards. Dont care though, he's beastly enough for my tastes

[Oznogrd]

Ok played the Warriors...Majorly lost..and im kinda wanting to get to the offseason...anybody opposed to me simming the last 3 games? they're against the Lakers, Wizards, and Bobcats. I'd probably have to win all 3 for playoff hope. If i get to the playoffs, i'll play every game...if I dont, its time for writing it up. What do you guys think? I woudl've put it in a poll but the thing has been bitchy for awhile and puts in too many answers and answers i didnt put and things...

[Martti.]

If you make the Playoffs, then you should recap like the last game of the season. But if not, go straight to the off-season. Would be interesting to see who you pick up this summer.

[Oznogrd]

Quick Recaps

Speed fall to Warriors
St. Louis 77 - Golden State 96
Boozer 29 pts 2 reb 2 ast 2 stl 1 blk
Love 14 pts 3 reb 1 blk
Rubio 2 pts 13 ast

Ellis 23 pts 3 reb 12 ast
Maggette 15 pts 3 reb 2 ast
Randolph 14 pts 2 reb 2 ast 1 stl 1 blk
Biedrins 14 pts 8 reb 4 ast 1 blk
Curry 10 pts

Record 12-14
Lakers Decimate Speed
St. Louis 63 - Los Angeles 89
Boozer 12 pts 8 reb 2 ast 1 blk
Ariza 10 pts 3 reb 1 ast 1 stl
McCants 10 pts 1 reb 2 ast
Rubio 4 pts 1 reb 3 ast 2 stl

Bynum 19 pts 6 reb 2 ast
Artest 14 pts 2 reb 2 ast
Bryant 13 pts 5 reb 4 ast 2 stl
Gasol 13 pts 8 reb 2 ast 1 stl 2 blk

Record 12-15
Speed Still in Playoff Hunt
St. Louis 82 - Washington 72
Boozer 28 pts 6 reb 1 ast 1 stl
Mccants 19 pts 1 reb 1 stl
Rubio 2 pts 3 reb 12 ast

Arenas 21 pts 5 reb 5 ast 3 stl
Foye 16 pts 2 reb 2 ast 1 stl 1 blk

Record 13-15
Speed Playoff Hopes stil alive, tied for 8th in Conference
St. Louis 81 - Charlotte 58
Mccants 17 pts 1 reb 1 stl
Boozer 16 pts 10 reb 5 ast 3 stl
Love 11 pts 7 reb 3 ast 2 stl 1 blk
Ariza 11 pts 4 reb 2 ast
Rubio 9 pts 2 reb 10 ast 2 stl

Augstin 11 pts 2 reb 4 ast 1 stl
Diaw 10 pts 3 reb 5 ast
Chandler 8 pts 11 reb 1 stl

Record 14-15

[Oznogrd]

Im trying to make it sim the last day of games without it going straight to season awards...its not wanting to cooperate, any ideas folks?

EDIT: Never mind got it to work by simming the last game of the season with hoopcast: Conference standings coming up and awards!

[Oznogrd]

Speed Squeak into playoffs, Will take on 1 Seed Miami Heat

As the season came to a close there was much rejoicing in St. Louis as the St. Louis Speed made playoffs for the first time in franchise history. After quite a turnaround from a team that was 3rd worst in the league last year, acquisitions of Carlos Boozer in the offseason and Kevin Love midseason have made this a team with potential. "Its great we made playoffs" said Coach Raoul Duke "But we still gotta try to win some games there. With that new shorter format of only 3 games, you dont really have time to get going. You have to jump on the opponent quick and finish them off. Obviously we're happy about this turnaround, but unless that trophy ends up in our hands, its not enough." Below are the full conference Standings with playoff seeds listed.
Eastern Conference
1. Miami Heat 18-11
2. Cleveland Cavaliers 17-12
3. Chicago Bulls 17-12
4. Boston Celtics 16-13
5. Orlando Magic 16-13
6. Detroit Pistons 15-14
7. Atlanta Hawks 14-15
8. St. Louis Speed 14-15
Charlotte Bobcats 14-15
Philadelphia 76ers 13-16
Washington Wizards 13-16
Milwaukee Bucks 12-17
Indiana Pacers 12-17
New York Knicks 8-21

Western Conference
1. Memphis Grizzles 20-9
2. San Antonio Spurs 19-10
3. Denver Nuggets 18-11
4. Los Angeles Lakers 18-11
5. Golden State Warriors 17-12
6. Phoenix Suns 16-13
7. New Orleans Hornets 16-13
8. Dallas Mavericks 15-14
Minnesota Timberwolves 14-15
Portland Trailblazers 14-15
Houston Rockets 13-16
Los Angeles Clippers 12-17
Utah Jazz 12-17
Oklahoma City Thunder 11-18
Sacramento Kings 9-20

[Oznogrd]

Season Awards

MVP
Dwyane Wade
19.7 PPG 3.7 RPG 6.2 APG 1.7 SPG 1.2 BPG

Rookie of the Year
Donte Drew (Celtics)
9.7 PPG 2.9 RPG 3.2 APG .8 SPG

6th Man of the Year
Lamar Odom
7.7 PPG 4.7 RPG 2.8 APG .6 SPG

Defensive Player of the Year
Tim Duncan
13.7 PPG 7.8 RPG 2.5 APG .9 SPG 2.9 BPG

Most Improved Player
Joe Alexander
8.1 PPG 3.4 RPG 1.9 APG .6 SPG 1.1 BPG

All NBA First Team
PG RIcky Rubio
SG Dwyane Wade
SF Danny Granger
PF Carlos Boozer
C Al Jefferson

All-NBA Second Team
PG Derrick Rose
SG Kobe Bryant
SF Lebron James
PF Amare Stoudemire
C Yao Ming

All-NBA Third Team
PG Chris Paul
SG Brandon Roy
SF Kevin Durant
PF Chris Bosh
C Andrew Bynum

All Defensive First Team
PG Russel Westbrook
SG Dwyane Wade
SF Danny Granger
PF Tim Duncan
C Al Jefferson

All Defensive Second Team
PG GIlbert Arenas
SG Andre Iguodala
SF Shawn Marion
PF Amare Stoudemire
C Dwight Howard

All-Rookie First Team
PG Donte Drew [Celtics]
SG Frederick Barkley [Knicks]
SF Lee Jennings [Heat]
PF Radoslav Drobnjak [Timberwolves]
C John Gilbert [Pistons]

All Rookie Second Team
PG Bob Humphrey [Warriors]
SG Bert Parks [Bulls]
SF Ruben Andrews [Raptors]
PF Arthur Brock [Jazz]
C Casey Monroe [Wizards]

Coach of the Year
Marc Iavaronia 20-9 Memphis Grizzlies

Executive of the Year
Curtis Ash 20-9 Memphis Grizzlies.

[Martti.]

Wow, nice job getting to the Playoffs and Rubio and Boozer on All-NBA team. Oh, and who's the MIP?

[Oznogrd]

Wow, nice job getting to the Playoffs and Rubio and Boozer on All-NBA team. Oh, and who's the MIP?

LOL oops mustve accidentally deleted him..will fix it momentarily.

[megarover]

"MVP
Dwyane Wade
19.7 PPG 3.7 RPG 6.2 APG 1.7 SPG 1.2 BPG"
I know he was the best player on the best team in the east but those arent MVP numbers

[Azzdogs]

Great work on getting Booz and Rubio in the all nba 1st team.

[Oznogrd]

"MVP
Dwyane Wade
19.7 PPG 3.7 RPG 6.2 APG 1.7 SPG 1.2 BPG"
I know he was the best player on the best team in the east but those arent MVP numbers

All around game? they probably are. But yeah...i was surprised by that too.

fair warning i bought lego batman last night so it may be a few days before i switch back for playoffs

[Oznogrd]

Heat Knock Speed out in 2 Games
Despite the team turnaround, the much improved Miami Heat (with additions of Eddie House and Josh Howard) easily knocked the St. Louis Speed out of the playoffs.

"Its disappointing man but they just out played us" said Carlos Boozer. "We just couldnt get enough offense going to keep up with them."

"We just gotta move on and focus on next year. We had a great turnaround and we have some young guys who are only gonna get better. I'm excited for next year" said Ricky Rubio who performed poorly in the 1st playoff game with the Heat with 7 turnovers. "We'll get them back next year, I guarantee it"

Game 1
St. Louis 72 - Miami 88

Boozer 21 pts 2 reb
Love 10 pts 4 reb 2 ast 2 stl 2 blk
Rubio 15 ast 1 stl 7 Turnovers

Howard 19 pts 1 reb 1ast 2 stl
Wade 18 pts 5 reb 12 ast 2 stl 1 blk
Beasley 14 pts 3 reb 1 stl
Jermaine O Neal 11 pts 1 reb 2 ast 1 stl 6 blk
Chalmers 10 pts 3 ast 1 stl

Game 2
St. Louis 67 - Miami 81

Boozer 18 pts 10 reb 3 ast 1 stl 4 blk
McCants 14 pts 1 reb 1 ast 1 stl
Love 12 pts 7 reb 4 ast 2 blk
Rubio 2 pts 1 reb 7 ast

Wade 20 pts 3 reb 5 ast 3 stl
Howard 17 pts 5 reb
Beasley 10 pts 5 reb 1 stl
O'Neal 8 pts 8 reb 1 blk

Playoff Tree
1st Round
1. Heat Defeat 8. Speed
5.Magic Defeat 4. Celtics
3. Bulls Defeat 6. Pistons
7. Hawks Defeat 2. Cavaliers
1. Grizzlies Defeat 8. Mavericks
5. Warriors Defeat 4. Lakers
6. Suns Defeat 3. Nuggets
2. Spurs Defeat 7. Hornets

2nd Round
1. Heat defeat 5. Magic
3. Bulls defeat 7. Hawks
1. Grizzlies defeat 5. Warriors
6. Suns defeat 2. Spurs

Conference Championships
3. Bulls Defeat 1. Heat
1. Grizzlies defeat 6. Suns

NBA Finals
3. Bulls Defeat 1. Grizzlies

MVP
Derrick Rose
14.7 PPG 4.5 RPG 6.3 APG 1.0 Spg .7 BPG

[megarover]

Rose Finals MVP........only in videogames. It was to be expected to lose to Miami but for a guy that averages 30 something point during the year have 18 and 21 point games in pretty bad.

[Oznogrd]

Rose Finals MVP........only in videogames. It was to be expected to lose to Miami but for a guy that averages 30 something point during the year have 18 and 21 point games in pretty bad.

Yeah and Rubio's turnovers were killer. I hung with them for awhile and they just raped me..

Offseason probably coming this weekend cuz girl has to work and i shouldnt have alot of homework so yeah.

[Fresh8]

Nice to see another season finished boss.

Can't wait for Year 3!

[kibaxx7]

Bulls NBA Champions! Tough series against the Heat, man.

[Oznogrd]

Bulls NBA Champions! Tough series against the Heat, man.

Yeah between Jermaine O Neal blocking everything i threw at the rim and rubio's passes getting deflected by howard, beasley, wade, i struggled. Looked like last year

I've got the offseason done, its just a matter of writing it up. I may do the end of season player evals in a few minutes here.